First the Blade
© 2019 by Larry Nevenhoven
Chapter 29
Building Mustard-Seed Faith (n)
“Well, Larry, you have to be a little realistic, you know? God helps those who help themselves,” a Christian said after learning I had no health insurance and had not visited a doctor in years.
I shrugged my shoulders, not wanting to continue the conversation. What good would it have done? Her feet were stuck in concrete and so were mine. It most likely would have turned into a scripture-slinging contest.
Had she bothered to ask why I had no health insurance or had not visited a doctor for regular checkups, I would have answered her. “I’m not against doctors or health insurances. Both are important. But in our case, Carol and I had to make certain financial decisions. One of them was saving money by not having health insurance for me.”
I now have Medicare, but what about those many years when I had no health coverage? Did I ever worry back then about what would happen if I became sick?
No, absolutely not. I never lost a moment of peace over the decision and to be honest, I had some bad injuries from working on construction and selling cars. There were even times when Carol almost begged me to go to the doctor, but I would not.
Am I that stubborn? Probably, or at least many people, including Carol, tell me that. But my stubbornness is built upon solid ground: the promises of God.
The Lord gave me numerous promises for my life, most of which have not happened as yet. For those promises to ever occur, I can’t die. Plus, I have to walk, talk and write in order for them to be fulfilled.
Each time an affliction hit me, I reminded the Lord of His promises.
“Lord, you said I’d do such and such in my life which has not happened yet. I know You’re not a liar and that You foresee events like this before they happen. How are You going to get me through this affliction so I can fulfill the calling on my life and walk in Your promises?”
As they say, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” I’m still here and still seeking the Lord.
Is this great faith on my part? Not really, it’s just normal biblical faith based on the words of Jesus.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14: 27)
And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for you body, as to what you will put on. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12: 22, 31)
Fear is the opposite of faith with no neutral positions between the two.
Let’s look at how the world handles situations and how a Christian should handle them.
(Continued…but if you want to read all of the parts to date, you can go here.)
Larry Who 